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By Barb 64 Comments

Christmas Mantel {Oh deer!}

Filed Under: Christmas, Christmas 2012, Christmas Dining Room, Dining Room, Mantel Tagged With: Christmas, Decorating, Mantel

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A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home


 

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This year, for some reason – I am decorating with a “come what may” kinda plan.
 
Is that even a plan?  “Come what may?”
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home
 
 

 
In the perfect world I envision, I see smart little lists –
 
either on paper or gasp! – neatly compiled on an ipad –
 
which matter-of-factly spells out a decorating plan for the holidays.
 
Take our mantel in the Dining Room, for example.
 
When I pulled out my Bin-o-Christmas Goodies,
 
I had absolutely no clue what I would end up with.
 
I had my new friend, Mr Buck.  
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home

 

 
And I had some black lanterns.
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home

 

But, that’s about as far as my “plan” had proceeded.
 
So, I just started layering.  
 
Some of this…step back and see if it works.  
 
Some of that…step back and see if it works.  
 
No?  Then, rip that baby out.
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home
 
Some cedar. Some magnolia.
 
Some grapevine leftover from the Fall mantel.  
 
Some pheasant feathers.
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home
 
What kind of plan is that?  
 
A “working by the seat of your plan” plan?  Come to think of it….
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home
 
– that’s pretty much how things have been going around here
 
since the Christmas decorating began.
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home

 

 
“Decorating By The Seat of My Pants Plan” Plan.  
 
By the time I am done, the seat of my pants will be pretty threadbare.  🙂
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home
 
So, I hung up our new stockings.
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home
 
– and fluffed and added my new pillows…
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home
 
(yeah, I kinda got a “deer” thing, huh?)  🙂
 
…and soon our Dining Room mantel started coming together.
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home

 

 
Pinecones here, some red berries there.  Is it too much?  
 
Did it need more?  Would everyone know I didn’t have a plan? 
 
It would have been so much easier if I did.
 
But, I have to ask myself….if I had had a plan,
 
would I have ended up with this…
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home

 

 
If I had stuck closely to the plan, perhaps I would have ended up
 
with something entirely different.
 
But, sometimes I think that no plan is better than a plan.
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home

 

 
So, from hence forth – I am not going to stress that I don’t
 
have a plan.  I am not going to stress that I am
 
decorating by the seat of my pants.
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home

 

 
I am only going to stress that in 14 days, I will have 40-50 people
 
ascend on my home for my parents 60th Wedding Anniversary
 
and my Daddy’s 80th Birthday Parties.
 
A Woodland Christmas Mantel by The Everyday Home

 

 
Because between you and me, I think that is quite
 
enough to worry about.  Don’t you?  😀
 
How is your decorating coming along?  Are you almost there?
 
 Are your garlands hung and your homes sparkling clean?  
 
(please don’t tell me if that is true.)  
 
I hope that by mid-week I will be almost through.
 
 (you note I said “almost.”)
 
In the meantime, please keep in mind a wonderful
 
Blog Hop I am proud to be part of.
 
 
 
Thank you for letting me share our formal Dining Room Mantel with you.

 


GreatDaySignature

 


 

 

As always, thank you ever so much for pinning
any of these pictures, with my permission. 

« Christmas Buffet
Christmas Hutch {and a photography lesson} »

Comments

  1. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:29 AM

    Well, Barb, “flying by the seat of your pants” seems to be working for ya! The mantel is gorgeous! I never have a plan. I may have an idea…but, the rest just comes together, however it works out! LOL! You’re doing great!

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  2. NanaDiana says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:29 AM

    Well, Plan or no plan I think it looks marvelous, Barb, and I think this by-the-seat-of-your-pants has been a good thing. At least we now know that you DO wear pants-just sayin’…..

    Have fun prepping for your big double party- that, in itself, is enough to worry about.

    Blessings to you-and, for once, I am almost done- xo Diana

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  3. Gee Singh Newbanks says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:36 AM

    Luv your ‘flying by the seat of your pants’ mantel 🙂
    Cheers, Gee

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  4. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:41 AM

    I love this mantel. Love that lush garland with the big burlap bow and the cute stockings and oh my the deer head. Yep, love that, too. You can share this at my party going on now, too.

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  5. Sue@House Pretty says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:46 AM

    Heck, if that’s what “flying by the seat of your pants’ looks like to you, when you DO have a “plan” it must be mind blowing! I think you mantel is gorgeous! And we both seem to have ur minds working thes ame way this year, because I also went by “the seat of my pants” this year. I am going for the “less is more” them, if you will. I used to go in overload mode, and I kinda’ overloaded myself out , lol!

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  6. Shelia says

    December 3, 2012 at 3:27 AM

    Hi Barb! Your plan with no plan works! Your mantel looks fab! Your little stockings and pillows look so pretty! Your party sounds fun and I want to come!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

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  7. Janis@All Things Beautiful says

    December 3, 2012 at 4:13 AM

    I’ll say your “seat of your pants” plan is WORKING! Love your mantle and all of your elements! The lanterns, deer, feathers…etc.! Swooning over your stockings, too! Thank you for sharing your talent!

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  8. Deserae says

    December 3, 2012 at 4:38 AM

    Gorgeous…..every single thing! Your “come what may” plan is definetely working!!! LOL
    ~Des

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  9. Kathysue says

    December 3, 2012 at 4:42 AM

    Barb I must say this is my favorite decorating that you have done!! I love the organic feel, the simplicity. Mr. Buck is the star and everything else are just compliments to him. You do well without a plan my dear friend, xo Kathysue

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  10. Shannon Fox says

    December 3, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    MY Stars!!! That is gorgeous. So lush and lovely. The lighting is wonderful. I just adore the entire thing :)))

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  11. Linda Walker says

    December 3, 2012 at 5:08 AM

    Your mantel is beautiful! I love the color palette and your plan really does work. Thank you for posting! Linda
    mysewwhatblog.blogspot.com

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  12. Susan says

    December 3, 2012 at 5:39 AM

    Your decorating by the seat of your pants plan is working for you! I absolutely am in love with your mantle. All that beautiful greenery, magnolias ( I love magnolias being a southern gal). That beautiful ribbon in the center. Your decorations are awesome!

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  13. ♥ Sonny ♥ says

    December 3, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    very pretty Barb.. I’m inspired to get in there and play with mine.

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  14. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    Love your “come what may” mantel!!!….and the stockings are beautiful!!…

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  15. Cynthia says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:26 PM

    I love your mantel it is so full of beauty. I love the stockings and the pillows. Just gorgeous.

    Cynthia

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    • Yvonne says

      November 14, 2016 at 6:24 PM

      How can I get those stockings. Love them!

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  16. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:47 PM

    I think you did great for no plan, Barb! My mantel always has me stymied. I did it twice last year because I wasn’t happy with it. This year it’s staying “as is”. I love those stockings and your garland looks great!

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  17. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    December 3, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Stunning Barb!! LOVE those stockings!

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  18. Vesna says

    December 3, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    This is sooo beautiful Barb!! Just gorgeous!!
    Hugs,
    Vesna

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  19. White Whimsy says

    December 3, 2012 at 3:16 PM

    I think the come what may plan is working for you. Your mantel is beautiful! I love the lanterns, the stockings, the greenery, OK everything. Absolutely gorgeous!!!

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  20. Finding Home says

    December 3, 2012 at 4:13 PM

    I absolutely love this! And I think the back lighting on the wreath makes it all sing! Take care, Laura

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  21. Suzy says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    Oooh – your mantle is fabulous! You really do have a great touch. Can’t wait to get my own Mr. Buck to play with! I’m really looking forward to our party.

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  22. Anne Kimball says

    December 4, 2012 at 12:00 AM

    Hi Barb, I’m Anne from Life on the Funny Farm (http://annesfunnyfarm.blogspot.com), and I’m visiting from Make It Pretty Monday.

    Planned or not planned, this looks fabulous! I especially love the stockings — beautiful, and just the perfect touch!

    Anyway, thanks for posting this. If you’ve never visited yet, I hope you can pop by my blog sometime to say hi…

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  23. NanaDiana says

    December 4, 2012 at 12:29 AM

    Oh Barb- I hear you! When I am putting my post together and think I have all the pictures taken and watermarked I go to post them and sometimes utter my famous two word phrase—-Aw, Crap! Yes. That is what I really say!!! Anyway, everything there looks beautiful and had you not pointed out your little slips most of them would have gone unnoticed…except for photographing your reflection because I noticed the same thing on pictures I was getting ready to post. xo Diana

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  24. Alyssa Teer says

    December 4, 2012 at 2:49 AM

    I love,love,love your mantle, especially the deer. The stocking are awesome too. Not many people make me want to go and re-do something but you’re making my mantle look a little sad.

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  25. Rosemary and Thyme says

    December 4, 2012 at 3:17 AM

    Just stunning..

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  26. WhineNRoses says

    December 4, 2012 at 4:31 AM

    Beautiful !!! I love the lanterns!!
    Jenn

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  27. Pamela says

    December 4, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    It looks just beautiful!!

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  28. The French Hen's Nest says

    December 4, 2012 at 3:25 PM

    Good Morning, Your buffet and mantle are both beautiful. Enjoyed all of your pictures, and I’m going back for more. We are your newest followers, and we would love for you to check us out and join us as well. Thank you for the inspiration. Have a lovely day.
    Jeannie of The French Hen’s Nest

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  29. Pamela says

    December 4, 2012 at 5:07 PM

    WOW! GORGEOUS! 🙂

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  30. Karen says

    December 4, 2012 at 6:46 PM

    Absolutely Gorgeous!

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  31. the misfit says

    December 4, 2012 at 7:41 PM

    Where is Mr. Buck from??? I need one!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  32. Jennifer says

    December 4, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    Oh, my! It’s simply spectacular. Love what you’ve done with the natural elements. I can think of a whole list of adjectives but I guess I’ll settle with one: stunning! Thanks for sharing your decorating flair. I found my way here from The Lettered Cottage and I’ll be back. Merry Christmas!

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  33. Kelly @ thelilypadcottage says

    December 4, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    This is so beautiful! Love your deer theme. Your threadbare seat is working for you 🙂

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  34. Kelly says

    December 5, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    I’m completely smitten with your gorgeous, rustic, vintagey looking, all woodsy, and delicious mantel! I can’t believe you just threw it together! It’s one of the prettiest mantels I’ve seen. I love your new stockings and pillows too. Are they in your shop? How did I miss those?

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  35. Amanda says

    December 5, 2012 at 2:52 AM

    WOW!! It’s stunning. i love it. After viewing your Christmas mantel I decided to follow you on Pinterest and realized you’re from Jacksonville, NC. I’m from Chinquapin, NC which is near Jacksonville. Such a small world. Love your blog

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  36. Jessica says

    December 5, 2012 at 3:36 AM

    Your mantel is beautiful!

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  37. Robin from highpointcircle.blogspot says

    December 5, 2012 at 4:45 AM

    Your seat of your pants plan is working GREAT! I love you mantle, it is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing beautiful pictures! Enjoyed my visit. Looking at you on Pinterest next.

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  38. Heather SettingforFour says

    December 5, 2012 at 5:07 AM

    Thanks Barb for linking up to It’s Party Time linky party! I’m blown away with your mantle….that’s all I can say – speechless 😀

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  39. Taunnie says

    December 5, 2012 at 5:09 AM

    Gorgeous!! If this is “by the seat of your pants” I’ll have to subscribe to see what you come up with when you have a plan 🙂

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  40. Kathy Shea Mormino says

    December 5, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    I would love it if you would join me in linking up at my weekly Clever Chicks Blog Hop: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/clever-chicks-blog-hop-10-rural.html

    I hope you can make it!
    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick

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  41. Kerry says

    December 5, 2012 at 11:38 PM

    Gorgeous!! Your seat-of-your-pants creative process really worked for you. Love it!

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  42. Jeanette@Creating A Life says

    December 8, 2012 at 4:45 AM

    Wow! “No plan” is apparently a good plan. Your mantel is really pretty!

    Jeanette

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  43. mustard seeds says

    December 8, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    I need to know where to get a deer head like this! I LOVE your decorations.

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  44. Pendra says

    December 8, 2012 at 5:52 PM

    Stunning…I should be so lucky as to have the “NO plan” plan!

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  45. Eclectically Vintage says

    December 9, 2012 at 2:08 AM

    Mr. Buck is such a stud! Gorgeous mantel!!
    Kelly

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  46. Pamela says

    December 9, 2012 at 2:09 AM

    Thanx for linking up Barb! Cant wait for your party on Tuesday!

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  47. Stacey says

    December 9, 2012 at 3:55 AM

    So pretty!
    Would love if you stopped by the Holiday Linky Party – mantels – to link it up! The party is happening NOW!
    Stacey of Embracing Change
    http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com

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  48. Clydia Mangold says

    December 9, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    Looks like it came right out of magazine! Thanks for linking up to ITS A PARTY! I’m sharing on Facebook, G+ & pinning. {HUGS} Clydia @ Three Mango Seeds

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  49. Gail says

    December 10, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    Your mantel is gorgeous! I love those stockings!!

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  50. Katherines Corner says

    December 11, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    Wow… gorgeous!!! xo

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  51. thewhimsicallady says

    December 12, 2012 at 4:51 AM

    Drooling again! I want a deer head too!!!! I just love your blog!

    Karen

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  52. karen@somewhatquirky says

    December 12, 2012 at 6:11 AM

    This is magnificent! The rhythm is just perfect.

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  53. Jimmy says

    December 12, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    I really like the way you decorated the mantel, especially the deer head with the wreath. We refinished our hardwood floors, put down a fluffy holiday rug and added two tall Christmas trees to either side of the mantel. I like the effect.

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  54. Jenn says

    December 16, 2012 at 2:20 PM

    Stunning! I love those stockings.

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  55. Kaille says

    October 28, 2013 at 2:38 PM

    One year later… Everything is just beautiful! Do you mind sharing where you found your pretty stockings and pillows? I’ve seen them in a couple of other places on the net, but can’t recall where! I’m looking forward to seeing what you do this year.

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  56. Helen says

    November 23, 2013 at 2:09 AM

    Barb, your mantle looks lovely. The stockings look great, too!

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  57. kathy says

    December 4, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    Beautiful! Where did you find the stockings?

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    • Barb says

      December 4, 2013 at 11:06 AM

      Kathy – thank you so much. These stocking are several years old. I think maybe Target, but I could not be sure. Sorry. 🙂

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  58. Cindy says

    December 6, 2013 at 10:40 AM

    Your Christmas mantel is probably the prettiest mantel I have seen all season. It is PERFECT!

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  59. Mandy says

    December 6, 2013 at 8:12 PM

    Gorgeous mantel! Where did you get Mr.Buck from?

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    • Barb says

      December 6, 2013 at 10:57 PM

      Hi Mandy – I got him from one of my wholesale vendors. I will be carrying him in my online shop, Farmhouse Decor, next year as a special order. 🙂

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  60. Claudia says

    October 17, 2014 at 7:00 PM

    Lovely, stunning where do I get all that stuff though?

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  61. Vicki says

    December 21, 2014 at 11:42 PM

    I would say that you came as close to perfection wth that mantel as humanly possible. It is so beautiful, and Mr. Buck is wonderful!

    Merry Christmas!
    Vicki
    Mtnhomeblog.com

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